Described by artist Chris Drury, Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky presents an encounter with nature seemingly divorced from everyday human perception, “like a scene from an old movie or a dream.” If you’ve ever ventured out to Cloud Chamber yourself, you know the effect Drury is describing. The fan-favorite mixed-media sculpture functions as a room-sized camera obscura, or pinhole camera, projecting upside-down reflections of the surrounding natural landscape on the structure’s interior. This surreal atmosphere has dazzled NCMA visitors since its installation over 20 years ago. To commemorate Cloud Chamber’s recent reopening, North Carolina Weekend on PBS NC broadcast a feature on the impact and history of the installation (below).
If you’re planning your first trip to Cloud Chamber, I’d recommend picking a cloudless day (ironic, I know) and arriving at the Museum Park around mid-afternoon. Those conditions should render as vivid an image as possible once inside the sculpture. And take advantage of those beautiful fall colors while you can!
As capital project construction commences across our campus, Cloud Chamber will remain accessible via the Capital Area Greenway. Coming in 2026, a bridge walkway, built over the newly restored stream system, will connect well-traveled trails directly to the structure.
Be sure to consult our campus map when navigating to Cloud Chamber.
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